Listen to the Live Stream

WERU Special 5/11/15

Producer/Host: Carolyn Coe

Topics:
-efforts to end the Israeli military occupation of Palestine
-women in Afghanistan

Josh Ruebner, policy director of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, speaks about his book Shattered Hopes: The Failure of Obama’s Middle East Peace Process. He also explores questions raised after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection and reveals the anti-BDS directives included in the “Fast Track” legislation moving through the US Congress.

In Kabul, Afghanistan, a group of high school and college students have come together as the Afghan Peace Volunteers. At the Borderfree Nonviolence Community Centre and throughout their community, they work to build sustainable alternatives to the status quo. Their Borderfree Radio broadcasts have the goal of promoting a life of nonviolence in Afghanistan. Today’s broadcast focuses on the challenges for women in Afghanistan to meet their families’ basic needs. Three women share their wishes.

Guests:
Josh Ruebner, policy director of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, endtheoccupation.org/
Borderfree Radio broadcast: ourjourneytosmile.com/blog/
Zahidi, host
Interpreter: Zarghuna
Production assistance: Masood and Hakim
Interviewees: Mahnaz, Sara, and Zahra

Transcript from “Afghan Women Voice their Wishes”

Salam to all the dear listeners of Borderfree Radio.
In our program today, we will hear the voices of Afghan women.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Mahnaz.
What is your greatest wish?
My greatest wish is for my children to live like other children. With regards to clothes, food, books and pens, my children don’t have as much as other children. My husband was martyred.
Is there anyone to help you fulfill your wish?
First, God can help. Then, you, the Afghan Peace Volunteers can help too.
What can we do?
You have good teachers who teach the children well. You’re also helping us with our food needs.
My name is Sara.
What is your greatest wish as an Afghan woman?
My wish is to have a good life, to have enough food, to have a peace in which everyone is of ‘one hand’. People should have jobs so they can find bread for their children.
How can we help you fulfill your wish?
The Afghan Peace Volunteers had come to survey my house, and then they accepted me as a seamstress to sew the winter duvets, for which I got an income. My family was also warm under the duvets we received. Thank you for your help.
My name is Zahra. I have many problems at home. I have suffered much and have many worries. My mind is very scattered. I’m in debt. My wish is to pay off my debts, and to peacefully find food for my family. Thank you that I was able to get some income through the duvet project.
Thanks to all our dear listeners!
We hope you’ll follow Borderfree Radio. Remember, love can open every border! Till the next time, Khuda Hafez.